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Centerboards are retractable keels that add stability and control to sailboats. They can be raised to navigate shallow waters and reduce drag. Centerboards come in various styles and can be retrofitted to a boat. However, they can be difficult to service from inside the vessel.
A centerboard is a type of moving keel that fits on the centerline of a sailboat. Center boards are used when sailors want access to a retractable keel so they can use a keel when they need it and stow it away when they don’t. Some sailboats come equipped with a center dash, and in other cases a dinghy can be retrofitted to add one.
Fins, like other types of foil used on sailboats, surfboards, airplanes, etc., are designed to add stability and control. When weighted, a keel will help a boat stay upright, which is desirable, and will also allow sailors to move into the wind without drifting into a leeward direction. This increases the flexibility and maneuverability of the boat, making a keelboat an advantage in many environments.
However, the keels can also cause problems. A keel makes it difficult to navigate in shallow water and means that a boat cannot rest on its bottom without tipping to one side. Additionally, the keel adds drag, which can be desirable in some environments but problematic in others, slowing the boat down when sailors want to focus on speed.
The center stack design balances these conflicting needs, allowing sailors to enjoy the best of both worlds. When a keel is needed, the center plate pivots through a slot in the bottom of the boat, and can be weighted or locked into place. When the center deck doesn’t contribute to the ship’s function, it can be raised, allowing the ship to do things like navigate the shallows without worrying about keel damage.
The dagger board, a closely related concept, slides up and down inside a pod inside the boat, rather than rotating like the center board does. Center boards and daggers come in a variety of styles that can be adapted to various ships, allowing sailors to select the design that is most effective for their vessel. One drawback to the design of the center plate is that it can be difficult to service from inside the vessel; the boat must be dragged ashore, or someone must dive to access the center deck.
Shipyards and marine suppliers stock center panels and accessories, including replacements for parts that can wear out over time. Skilled sailors can install their own or use the services of staff at a shipyard, whether they’re refitting and repairing a vessel with an existing center plate, or retrofitting a boat to add a center plate or dagger.
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